CASP Hires Executive Director

CASP Hires Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE

September 7, 2016

Council of Autism Service Providers Hires First Executive Director

The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Emily Callahan as its first Executive Director. CASP provides support to autism service providers across the United States by cultivating, sharing and advocating for the best possible services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. The hiring of an Executive Director will allow CASP to expand its offering of activities, resources, and advocacy on behalf of member organizations.

Although it is estimated that over 268 billion dollars a year are spent annually to support individuals with ASD, CASP is the first organization whose primary mission is to support providers in the implementation of quality services. CASP seeks to connect providers across the country and the world in the promotion of best practices to help individuals with ASD achieve best outcomes. CASP envisions “A world where high performing, responsible provider organizations ensure quality care and best possible outcomes for all individuals with autism.”

Dr. Callahan is an expert in services for individuals with ASD and their families. She brings a doctorate in clinical psychology from Binghamton University and more than a decade of experience in direct delivery of evidence-based services. Prior to joining CASP, Dr. Callahan spent four years as the Director of Outpatient Services for the Virginia Institute of Autism. She also previously held positions at the May Institute in Randolph, Mass; and the Institute for Child Development in Binghamton, NY.

Dr. Callahan is available to media organizations for interviews and expert analysis of issues related to service provision for individuals with ASD. Her contact information is provided at the end of this press release.

During the next two years, CASP will be focused on growing its membership and achieving the following critical goals. Achievement of these goals will improve autism services for the millions of Americans who depend on them:

Promote continuous quality improvement

Help to ensure that the money spent for care and treatment is directed to the most effective, evidence-based practices

Represent providers of care to government, payers, and the public

Write and share public policies that balance effective treatment and economic principles